The Lincolnshire covid vaccination programme has reached a monumental milestone as it gave its one millionth vaccination.

This remarkable total, reached yesterday at the PRSA Mass Vaccination Centre, Boston, took just over seven months since the covid vaccinations began to be rolled out across the county last December.

It follows hot on the heels of the 500,000th first dose being given last month.

Rebecca Neno, Deputy Chief Nurse, NHS Lincolnshire CCG, said: "It truly is an incredible feat and one that back in December seemed a very long way off.

"The vaccination programme is unprecedented in its scale and ambition, and has only been possible thanks to the support and sheer hard work of so many NHS colleagues, partner organisations, local businesses and volunteers.

"In particular I would like to thank our GP practices and Primary Care Networks (PCNs) who have been a critical part of this, running the network of vaccination sites around Lincolnshire, all of who have hit their own significant milestones in recent weeks and months, making a massive contribution to the total of one million first and second vaccinations.

"Add to this our two Mass Vaccination Centres at PRSA and at the Lincolnshire Showground, as well as the support from pharmacies around the county, and of course the outstanding contribution made by so many volunteers and businesses, it really has been an amazing team effort."

Lisa Szirtes, 42, Sleaford, was the recipient of the one millionth jab.

"I had no idea until I arrived at PRSA this morning and I still can't quite believe it. It was a huge surprise to be told I was getting the one millionth vaccination and I am very proud to have been that person – it's certainly something to tell the family about."

One of the country's biggest and most rural counties, the challenge in front of Lincolnshire when it began to mobilise the vaccination programme towards the end of 2020 was not underestimated by anyone on the team.

Rebecca explained: "With a total population of around 750,000 people, we knew that we would have to provide people with a range of options, in terms of where to get vaccinated, in order to accommodate the sheer geography and rurality of the county.

"This is why, with the help of our PCNs, we set up a network of vaccinations sites around the county, supported by our two Mass Vaccination Sites, our pharmacy partners and our army of volunteers.

"Perhaps the biggest thank you of all needs to go to the people of Lincolnshire, who have come forwards in huge numbers to get vaccinated and continue to do so – without them none of this would have been possible and it's them who have constantly done everything they can to help as we push on with getting out of this."

The CCG is still appealing for more people to come forward and have their first and second vaccinations at a range of sites around the county.

They are bookable via the National Booking System website or by calling 119. Many continue to offer walk-in appointments allowing people to simply turn up and get jabbed.

Rebecca added: "The first part of our response to covid is nearly over, but we are working very hard planning the next phase which will include booster vaccinations in the autumn.

"However, my message to people remains the same – getting vaccinated is the best way to get protected, the best way out of this, and the best gift you can give to yourself and your loved ones. Please keep coming for your vaccinations."

-ends-

• This weekend and next week there will be walk-in opportunities available to people aged 18 and over on a 'first come, first served' basis as follows:

PRSA MVC, Boston – offering Pfizer and AZ walk-ins (no individual choice of vaccine, will be administered according to JCVI guidance), first and second doses, 8am-7pm seven days a week

Lincolnshire Showground MVC – offering Pfizer and AZ walk-ins (no individual choice of vaccine, will be administered according to JCVI guidance), first and second doses, 8.15am-7pm seven days a week

Fun Farm Car Boot, Fun Farm, High Road, Weston, Spalding (PE12 6JU) – mobile unit offering Pfizer walk-ins, first and second doses, 12pm-2pm, Friday 23rd July

Boston Market Place (PE21 6EH) - mobile unit offering Pfizer walk-ins, first and second doses, 9am-3pm, Saturday 24th July

Springfields Events and Conference Centre (PE12 6ET) – offering Pfizer and AZ, first and second doses, 12pm – 8pm Friday 30th July

John Coupland Hospital, Gainsborough – offering Pfizer or AZ, first and second doses, 9am-1pm Saturday 31st July

Storehouse, Skegness – offering Pfizer walk-ins, first and second doses, 8.30am-3pm Saturday 24th July, Pfizer walk-ins, first and second doses, 8.30am-12.30pm Sunday 25th July, and AZ walk-ins, first and second doses, 1-5pm Sunday 25th July

Marisco Medical Practice, Mablethorpe – offering AZ walk-ins, first and second doses, 10am – 2pm Friday 23rd July, and Pfizer walk-ins, first and second doses 2.30pm–6pm Friday 23rd July

Stamford - Vaccinations are now available in Stamford, in the former VW garage opposite Morrisons. Appointments are available by calling 119 or via the national booking system.